Cryptosporidium Ag (stool) ELISA, 96 wells

INTENDED USE
This ELISA is an in vitro immunoassay for the qualitative determination of Cryptosporidium antigen in fecal specimens.

SUMMARY
Cryptosporidium is a coccidian parasite that is recognized as an important enteric pathogen. The organism causes an acute,
though self-limiting infection in immunocompetent individuals. Incubation periods of 1 to 12 days have been reported with
most oocyst shedding ending by day 21. Symptoms range from mild to severe diarrhea with a variety of complications.
1,8,9,10,11,13
The infection in immunocompromised patients is much more severe and may often be life threatening. Passage of fluid, up
to 12 liters per day, has been reported. 1,2,3,12,14,16
Multiple pathways of Cryptosporidium transmission have been implicated. These include animal to human, water
contamination and person-to-person. The latter may include contact between members of the same household, day care
centers, and homosexual men. 1,2,12,14,16
Diagnosis of Cryptosporidium infections was done originally by direct detection techniques. Of these, microscopic
examination of stools using stains or fluorescence labeled antibodies has been the most common. However, this method
relies on an experienced technician and subsequent observation of intact organisms. Because of the historically low
proficiency of correct microscopic examinations, alternative diagnostic methods have been investigated. 4,5,16,17
One important alternative has been the development of an antigen capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for
use with stools. These tests, which have shown comparable sensitivity to experienced microscopic examinations, are fairly
simple to perform and do not require the observation of intact organisms.